It has been a beautiful day here in the UK today and it feels like spring has arrived. It is so nice after weeks of wet weather, grey skies and images of many people being badly affected by severe storms and flooding. The sun has shone brightly, the sky has been cloudless and the temperature warm. I have cut the lawns for the first time in 2014 and got rid of weeds, moss and other debris that had gathered in the flowerbeds and patios.

I have always found that this is a good time of the year to de-clutter, to simplify and let go of things, to create space for growth, new projects and adventures. It seems to energise me to have a good sort out, to throw away paperwork that I no longer need, to donate some of my personal possessions, books and clothes to charity. Somehow this exercise along with the brighter weather and more daylight, helps me to feel lighter, more organised and sharpens my focus on the priorities that matter.

I am sure you have heard the expression “Can’t see the wood for the trees”; well it helps me to see the wood and appreciate the beauty of it! The Oxford Dictionary defines clutter as a “crowded and untidy collection of things”. That is true but it is only part of the story and describes clutter on a physical level. A more complete definition would be:

  • Things that you no longer need, want or love
  • Things that are untidy and disorganized
  • An overloaded busy mind and too many priorities
  • Too many things in a small space
  • Anything unfinished which can be projects or emotions.

Clutter can lead us to feeling stressed, overwhelmed and can steal valuable time when we have to constantly search for things. We can have a feeling of being disorganized which wastes time and leads to us feeling frustrated. It can affect our energy levels and make us feel tired and lethargic.

It can weigh us down, make us feel heavy and lead to procrastination, putting things off until tomorrow and keep us stuck in the past. When all available space is taken up, there is no room for anything new to come into our lives!

Having physical, mental and emotional clutter prevents us from focusing on what is really important and most valuable to us, our key priorities and the people closest to us. Everything we have has a call on our attention. The more clutter we have, the more your energy is tied up in mundane matters. When we clear out the clutter, it allows us to focus and put the important things in our life into perspective rather than being bogged down in the details of day to day maintenance.

The process of clearing clutter is all about learning to let go. It is not just about letting go of the belongings but the feelings and fear that keep us holding onto an excess of stuff. Life is constantly changing, so when something comes into our life, we need to learn to enjoy it, use it well and when it is time, be prepared to let it go so that we can experience new things.

We are all just temporary custodians of many things that pass through our lives. We can’t take the contents of our wardrobe, garage or kitchen with us when we die and we probably would not want to!! Everything we have is on loan from the planet. It is merely energy in transition. Releasing clutter helps us connect to a new vitality.

So this week’s questions:

“How much of your home and workspace is taken up with clutter?”

“Are there any things that you no longer use, need, want or love that you need to let go of?”

To arrange a free no obligation consultation, please contact Stephen Pauley via the contact form or by e mail: Stephen@befirstclass.co.uk